Episode 2081: The Path of Pure Love

Welcome to Catholic Reboot as we delve into the wisdom of the ages to deepen our understanding of the faith. Today, we embark on a journey of love, one that transcends human comprehension and leads us closer to the heart of God. Our exploration will be guided by profound insights from St. Bernardine of Siena and Thomas à Kempis, along with the timeless wisdom of Scripture.
Lets begin with St. Bernardine of Siena who reminds us of the pinnacle of love, the ultimate expression of divine intimacy: "The last degree of love is when He gave Himself to us to be our Food; because He gave Himself to be united with us in every way." In the Eucharist, we encounter the sublime gift of Christ's presence, where heaven touches earth and love knows no bounds. As we partake of this sacred banquet, let us open our hearts to the profound mystery of unity with our Lord.
Let us break this down from a traditional Catholic perspective, this quote from St. Bernardine of Siena speaks directly to the profound mystery of the Eucharist, which lies at the heart of Catholic faith and worship.
The Last Degree of Love: St. Bernardine speaks of the ultimate expression of love, reaching its highest degree. This is not merely a sentimental or emotional love, but a sacrificial and self-emptying love.
When He Gave Himself to Us to be Our Food: Here, St. Bernardine refers to the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus at the Last Supper. In the sacrament of the Eucharist, Catholics believe that Jesus gives Himself—His body, blood, soul, and divinity—to us under the appearances of bread and wine.
Because He Gave Himself to Be United with Us in Every Way: This emphasizes the intimate union between Christ and the believer that is experienced through the Eucharist. Catholics believe that in receiving the Eucharist, they are not only receiving a symbol or representation of Christ, but Christ Himself, truly and substantially present.
In summary, St. Bernardine's quote highlights the depth of love demonstrated by Christ in the Eucharist, where He gives Himself completely to be united with His followers. It underscores the profound mystery and significance of the Eucharist in the life of a Catholic, as the pinnacle of divine love and communion.
Now lets transition to Thomas à Kempis who echoes this sentiment, urging us to embrace the fullness of love, even in its most demanding forms: "Many desire His consolation, but few His tribulation. Many will sit down with Him at table, but few will share His fast." True love for Christ transcends mere sentimentality; it requires a willingness to embrace the cross, to endure hardship for the sake of love itself. May we strive to love Jesus purely, without seeking our own comfort or gain, trusting in His grace to sustain us through every trial.
Let me provide the full quote:
"Jesus has many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few cross-bearers. Many desire His consolation, but few His tribulation. Many will sit down with Him at table, but few will share His fast. All desire to rejoice with Him, but few will suffer for Him. Many will follow Him to the breaking of the bread, but few will drink the bitter cup of His Passion. Many revere His miracles, but few follow the shame of His cross. Many love Jesus when all goes well with them, and praise Him when He does them a favor; but if Jesus conceals Himself and leaves them for a little while, they fall to complaining or become depressed. They who love Jesus purely for Himself and not for their own sake bless Him in all trouble and anguish as well as in time of consolation. Even if He never sent them consolation, they would still praise Him and give thanks. Oh how powerful is the pure love of Jesus, when not mixed with self-interest or self-love!" —Thomas à Kempis
This quote from Thomas à Kempis reflects a traditional Catholic perspective on the nature of love and discipleship in relation to Jesus Christ.
Many Desire His Consolation: This part of the quote acknowledges that many people are drawn to Jesus for the comfort, solace, and blessings He offers. They seek His consolations in times of need or distress, desiring to experience His love and mercy in their lives.
But Few His Tribulation: Here, Thomas à Kempis contrasts the desire for consolation with the willingness to endure tribulation. While many are eager to receive blessings and favors from Jesus, fewer are willing to embrace the hardships, trials, and crosses that come with following Him faithfully.
Many Will Sit Down with Him at Table, But Few Will Share His Fast: This line alludes to the imagery of sitting down at table with Jesus, symbolizing the enjoyment of fellowship and communion with Him. However, it also highlights the importance of fasting, self-denial, and sacrifice as integral aspects of discipleship. While many may partake in the joys of communion with Christ, few are willing to share in His suffering and self-emptying love.
In summary, Thomas à Kempis' quote underscores the challenge of authentic discipleship and the paradoxical nature of Christian love. It calls believers to move beyond seeking only the consolations of Christ and to embrace the fullness of discipleship, including sharing in His tribulations and fasting as a means of deepening intimacy with Him.
Now lets conclude with scripture, Proverbs 2:1-5
“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
from a traditional Catholic perspective, Proverbs 2:1-5 offers guidance on the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, emphasizing the importance of attentiveness to God's word and commandments.
Receiving God's Words and Treasuring His Commandments: This verse emphasizes the importance of actively receiving and internalizing God's teachings. In the Catholic tradition, this involves not only hearing and acknowledging God's word but also cherishing and obeying His commandments as a way of life.
Making Your Ear Attentive to Wisdom and Inclining Your Heart to Understanding: Here, the passage highlights the necessity of openness and receptivity to divine wisdom. Catholics are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of attentiveness and receptivity to God's guidance through prayer, Scripture reading, and the teachings of the Church.
Crying Out for Insight and Seeking Understanding: This verse underscores the earnestness and persistence required in seeking wisdom and understanding. Catholics are called to fervently pray for insight and understanding, recognizing their dependence on God's grace to illuminate their minds and hearts.
Seeking Wisdom Like Silver and Hidden Treasures: The imagery of seeking wisdom as one would seek valuable treasure emphasizes its preciousness and worth. From a Catholic perspective, wisdom is considered a gift from God, more valuable than material wealth or worldly success. Thus, believers are encouraged to pursue wisdom diligently, recognizing its eternal significance.
Understanding the Fear of the Lord and Finding the Knowledge of God: The culmination of the passage emphasizes that true wisdom leads to a reverent fear of the Lord and intimate knowledge of God. In Catholic theology, the fear of the Lord does not imply terror but rather awe, reverence, and humility before the majesty and holiness of God. Through the pursuit of wisdom, believers come to know God more deeply and develop a personal relationship with Him.
In summary, Proverbs 2:1-5 encourages Catholics to actively seek and embrace divine wisdom, recognizing its transformative power in their lives and its role in deepening their relationship with God. It underscores the importance of attentiveness, earnestness, and humility in the pursuit of wisdom, which ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of God and His ways.
As we conclude our reflection on the path of pure love, let us take to heart the words of St. Bernardine of Siena, Thomas à Kempis, and the wisdom of Scripture. May we be inspired to deepen our love for Christ, to embrace the cross with courage, and to seek wisdom and understanding in all things. Let us strive to love Jesus purely, without seeking our own comfort or gain, trusting in His unfailing love to sustain us on our journey of faith. Thank you for joining us today, and may God bless you abundantly. Now go out and convert somebody.